Nampa Crosswalk Accident Attorney

The presence of a crosswalk is not sufficient to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Some pedestrians may actively choose to jaywalk, avoiding a designated crosswalk because it seems too far away, while other pedestrians may use crosswalks incorrectly, or ignore traffic signals. Pedestrians may also neglect to look both ways or walk before the signals allow them to do so. Unfortunately, a pedestrian can be doing absolutely everything right, and still be hit by a driver who was perhaps driving while distracted, impaired, or simply driving carelessly.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

In 2006 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that almost half of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on roads which did not have proper crosswalks. About 21 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred where a crosswalk was available, but the pedestrian failed to use it. Other pedestrian fatality statistics include:

More than 500 pedestrians died while using a crosswalk in 2006.
With more than 4,700 pedestrian deaths on United States roadways in 2006, crosswalk injuries and deaths were a significant accident area.
Of all the states, the most dangerous roads for pedestrians are in Texas.
Children and the elderly have the highest risk for pedestrians hit by a vehicle.
Between 8 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. appear to be the most dangerous times for pedestrians.

So, even though we think the crosswalk is a safe place for pedestrians to cross a roadway, this may not always be true, based on the circumstances at the time. Because a human body is simply no match for a 3,000-pound (or heavier) passenger vehicle, pedestrians who are struck by automobiles are likely to have extremely serious—or even fatal—injuries. The pedestrian does not have the benefit of a safety belt, an airbag, or a steel and glass cage surrounding them and protecting them from injury.

Establishing Negligence in a Crosswalk Accident

While every crosswalk accident is different, there are certain similarities shared by these types of accidents. There are four elements which must be shown to establish negligence—and liability. These are:

Duty of care—the driver had a duty to use reasonable care and watch out for the safety of others, particularly pedestrians.
Breach of duty of care—it must be shown that the driver breached his or her duty of care in some manner, perhaps by driving while distracted or impaired, or by disobeying traffic signs and signals.
Causation—You must be able to show that because of the drivers breach of duty, your accident resulted.
Finally, you must be able to show that the accident caused you damages—i.e., medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, etc.

If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, it is important that you speak to an experienced Idaho personal injury attorney as quickly as possible in order to ensure your rights and your future are properly protected.

An Experienced Idaho Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Nampa, Idaho, you need an experienced and skilled Nampa pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. Your attorney can help you obtain the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Pedestrians often face a long road to recovery, and as such, they need an experienced and aggressive lawyer on their side from the start. Don’t delay, call Nampa Attorney Joe Frick today for a free consultation and review of your case. He will fight aggressively for you and your future. Call today!